Perform PUWER Inspection using eAuditor
PUWER Inspection refers to the examination and assessment of machinery and equipment to ensure compliance with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) in the UK. The inspection verifies that work equipment is safe to use, properly maintained, and meets legal safety standards to protect workers from injury or accidents.
Performing PUWER Inspection using eAuditor ensures a meticulous evaluation of all work equipment, verifying safety, maintenance, operator competence, and legal compliance to protect workers and minimize risks under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).
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Objective of PUWER Inspection
- Confirm all equipment is safe for intended use.
- Identify and document hazards, defects, or wear.
- Ensure safety features like guards and emergency stops are functional.
- Verify that maintenance and servicing meet required standards.
- Assess operator training and availability of instructions.
- Comply with PUWER and related health and safety legislation.
- Record inspection outcomes digitally for accountability and audits.
- Facilitate prompt corrective actions to reduce workplace incidents.
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Preparation in eAuditor
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Define Inspection Scope and Equipment Types
- Machinery (e.g., presses, lathes, conveyors).
- Hand-held tools (power drills, saws).
- Lifting equipment (hoists, cranes).
- Vehicles and mobile plant.
- Pressure systems and boilers.
- Personal protective equipment related to equipment use.
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Customize or Select PUWER Checklist
Checklist sections to include:
- Equipment identification (make, model, serial number).
- Visual inspection of guards and protective devices.
- Control system functionality and labeling.
- Emergency stop buttons and safety interlocks.
- Electrical safety (wiring, insulation, plugs).
- Condition of moving parts and attachments.
- Lubrication and cleanliness.
- Evidence of regular maintenance and inspection.
- Operator training and certification verification.
- Display of operating instructions/manuals.
- Risk assessments linked to equipment use.
- Environmental conditions (ventilation, lighting).
- Lockout/tagout procedures for maintenance.
- Pass/Fail status, photos, comments, and action tracking.
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Conducting the PUWER Inspection
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Visual and Physical Checks
- Examine guards to ensure they fully cover hazardous areas and are securely attached.
- Check that emergency stops and controls are easily accessible and clearly marked.
- Inspect for loose, missing, or damaged parts.
- Verify that electrical cables and plugs show no signs of wear or damage.
- Look for oil leaks, corrosion, or dirt buildup affecting function.
- Confirm signage and safety warnings are visible and legible.
- Observe noise and vibration levels for abnormalities.
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Functional Tests
- Test emergency stop buttons for immediate response.
- Operate controls to check for smooth and predictable function.
- Validate that interlocks prevent dangerous operation modes.
- Confirm that safety devices shut down equipment as intended.
III. Operator and Documentation Checks
- Verify that equipment users have appropriate training and certificates.
- Ensure operation manuals or instructions are available onsite.
- Check records of previous maintenance and inspections.
- Confirm that risk assessments cover the specific equipment and tasks.
- Review compliance with PPE requirements during equipment use.
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Documentation and Reporting in eAuditor
- Capture detailed photos of the equipment and any faults.
- Use conditional logic to escalate issues based on severity.
- Document observations with clear, descriptive comments.
- Record Pass, Fail, or Needs Attention statuses for each item.
- Assign corrective actions with deadlines and responsible persons.
- Attach relevant files or documents (e.g., previous inspection reports).
- Use signature fields for inspector and manager approvals.
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Post-Inspection Follow-up
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Reporting and Distribution
- Generate comprehensive inspection reports with visuals and annotations.
- Share reports instantly via email or cloud storage.
- Maintain a centralized digital archive for audits and compliance reviews.
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Corrective Action Management
- Track open issues with status updates and reminders.
- Assign repair or maintenance tasks directly within eAuditor.
- Schedule follow-up inspections to verify corrections.
- Communicate with maintenance teams through integrated workflows.
III. Scheduling and Continuous Monitoring
- Use automated scheduling for recurring PUWER inspections.
- Receive timely notifications for upcoming inspections.
- Monitor trends to identify equipment prone to frequent faults.
- Adjust maintenance plans based on historical inspection data.
Additional Detailed Bullet Points
- Verify that lockout/tagout procedures are strictly followed during maintenance.
- Confirm the suitability of equipment for the specific work environment.
- Check alignment and calibration of measuring or control equipment.
- Inspect pneumatic and hydraulic systems for leaks or pressure loss.
- Assess lighting conditions around the equipment for safe operation.
- Review storage and handling procedures for hazardous substances associated with equipment.
- Ensure emergency procedures and contacts are clearly posted near equipment.
- Monitor ergonomic factors to reduce operator fatigue and injury.
- Validate integration with wider safety management systems (e.g., COSHH, RIDDOR).
- Confirm that temporary or modified equipment complies with PUWER.
Summary
Performing PUWER Inspections using eAuditor guarantees a rigorous, systematic assessment of all work equipment, ensuring safety features function correctly, maintenance is up-to-date, and operators are properly trained. The platform’s digital workflows enhance compliance, streamline reporting, and enable effective corrective action management, helping organizations maintain a safer workplace and meet all legal requirements under PUWER.